Credit by Exam (CBE) is one method students may use to demonstrate proficiency in grade-level or course content. Under Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.023, students may earn course credit or accelerate to the next grade level by successfully completing a credit-by-examination assessment.

CBE may be used to earn credit for a course when a student has received prior instruction and meets one of the following conditions:

• The student is enrolling in the district from a non-accredited school.

• The student has failed a subject or course.

• The student earned a passing grade in a subject or course but did not receive credit due to excessive absences.

Students must score 70% or higher on a CBE to earn course credit.

For grade-level acceleration, students must score 80% or higher on each required examination.

Students seeking credit for proficiency in a native language other than English may also be eligible for Credit by Exam.

Before selecting the CBE option, students are encouraged to review university admission requirements. Students who may pursue athletic scholarships should be aware that credits earned through CBE may not satisfy NCAA core-course eligibility requirements.

• Students currently enrolled in a McKinney ISD campus are eligible to apply for Credit by Exam.

• Applications are available through the school counselor and must be submitted by a parent or guardian.

• A student may attempt a Credit by Exam for a specific course or grade-level subject no more than two times.

• State law requires school districts to provide four testing opportunities each year.

• MISD offers CBE testing in October, February, June and July. Applications are typically due one to two months prior to an exam.

• Test results will usually take 4 to 6 weeks to return to the district and disseminate to campus personnel. 

• Contact your campus counselor for guidance, eligibility requirements, timelines, and additional information.